key term - Navajo Treaty of 1868

Definition

The Navajo Treaty of 1868 is an agreement between the United States government and the Navajo Nation, which marked the end of the Long Walk, a forced relocation of the Navajo people. This treaty recognized the sovereignty of the Navajo Nation and established a designated reservation in their ancestral homeland, restoring some land that had been taken during conflicts in the 1860s. The treaty also aimed to promote peace and facilitate the rebuilding of the Navajo community after years of hardship.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Navajo Treaty of 1868 allowed the Navajo people to return to their homeland after the devastating Long Walk, recognizing their right to self-determination.
2. The treaty established a reservation that included parts of northeastern Arizona, northwestern New Mexico, and southeastern Utah, significantly shaping the boundaries of Navajo territory.
3. Under the treaty, the U.S. government committed to providing assistance to the Navajo Nation in rebuilding their economy and community through provisions like livestock and supplies.
4. The signing of the treaty represented a significant shift in U.S. policy towards Native American tribes, moving from outright removal to recognition and negotiation.
5. The Navajo Treaty of 1868 laid the groundwork for future treaties and agreements between Native American nations and the federal government, impacting tribal sovereignty discussions.

Review Questions

• How did the Navajo Treaty of 1868 impact the social structure of the Navajo Nation following the Long Walk?
  • The Navajo Treaty of 1868 was crucial for restoring social structure within the Navajo Nation after the trauma of the Long Walk. The treaty allowed for a return to traditional lands, facilitating community rebuilding and healing. It also enabled families to reunite and reestablish kinship ties that had been disrupted during their forced relocation. This restoration fostered a sense of identity and unity among the Navajo people as they began to reclaim their cultural practices and governance.
• Analyze how the terms of the Navajo Treaty of 1868 differed from previous treaties made between Native American tribes and the U.S. government.
  • The terms of the Navajo Treaty of 1868 marked a significant departure from previous treaties, as it explicitly recognized the sovereignty of the Navajo Nation rather than simply imposing land cessions. Unlike earlier agreements that often forced tribes to relinquish their lands without fair compensation or rights, this treaty aimed to restore some of what was lost while providing support for rebuilding. It reflected a new approach by the U.S. government that acknowledged tribal rights and sought cooperation rather than conflict.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of the Navajo Treaty of 1868 on contemporary issues faced by Native American nations today.
  • The long-term implications of the Navajo Treaty of 1868 continue to resonate in contemporary issues faced by Native American nations today. The treaty established a legal framework for recognizing tribal sovereignty, which has been pivotal in ongoing struggles for self-governance, land rights, and resource management. Current debates over federal policies regarding tribal lands often reference historical treaties like this one. Additionally, it underscores how historical injustices shape present-day relations between Native American nations and federal authorities, highlighting challenges in achieving true autonomy and reparations.

Related terms

Long Walk:

A forced march in 1864 where approximately 8,000 Navajos were relocated from their homeland to a prison camp in New Mexico, resulting in immense suffering and loss.

Diné: The self-identification of the Navajo people, meaning 'the people' in their native language, reflecting their cultural identity and connection to the land.

Reservation: A designated area of land set aside by the U.S. government for Native American tribes, where they have some degree of sovereignty and self-governance.